Category: Ethics & Morality

Planet of the Apes & Politicians

January 22, 2026

I’m not prophesying the imminent downfall of the political establishment or the nation as a whole. I am offering a timeless warning that reckless, animal-like behavior and a lack of “humanity” in places of power and influence can set in motion a slow downward spiral into self-destructive chaos—personal and societal. Exchanging “the mind of a man for the mind of an animal” is, after all, Paul’s diagnosis of sin-infected humanity in his great letter to the Christians in the capital city of Rome. Where does this lead? Read on. … More Planet of the Apes & Politicians

Flesh-Ripping Words & the Word Become Flesh

December 10, 2025

In these days of online retribution, excoriating political opponents, and defaming others’ character, we do well to remember that in the middle of the Christmas story stands a man who goes out of his way to protect another from public disgrace. The historical record gives us very little on Joseph, but one description stands out: “Joseph, to whom she was engaged, was a righteous man.” … More Flesh-Ripping Words & the Word Become Flesh

An Appeal for a Clear Conscience

February 16, 2024

This exposition of 1 Peter 3:18-22 emphasizes a spiritual battle between good and evil forces, urging Christians to be aware of this cosmic struggle. It highlights the role of Jesus in overcoming evil and calls for believers to resist being manipulated by worldly powers. The text also stresses the importance of having a clear conscience before God, rather than pursuing selfish desires or political victories. … More An Appeal for a Clear Conscience

Love, Justice & the Kingdom: A Christian Social Ethic

September 4, 2022

INTRODUCTION From the beginning, the question of how Christians should relate to the rest of society has continually been raised and reevaluated.  In retrospect, it is apparent that the church has never achieved unanimous agreement over the issue of Christian social responsibility.  History documents many movements toward a position of noninvolvement or even absolute separation … More Love, Justice & the Kingdom: A Christian Social Ethic

Lies About Freedom, Sex, Truth & Culture

November 5, 2021

John Mark Comer, in his book Live No Lies, leads the church and pastors like me into the necessary conversations about what’s really underneath all the other cultural conversations and debates. John Mark embodies three of the main values and goals of Kingdom Harbor as he attempts to give Christians 1) a robust Biblical theology, 2) pathways for soul formation, and 3) Jesus-shaped cultural commentary. … More Lies About Freedom, Sex, Truth & Culture

Waters of Wrath

July 30, 2021

Have you considered how strange it is how many soon-to-be parents decorate their nursery with wallpaper depicting sanitized scenes from a global catastrophe that claimed countless lives? We would hardly place our baby in a Hiroshima themed nursery surrounded by images of mushroom clouds in a crib with a mobile of little gas masks going round and round to put junior to sleep. … More Waters of Wrath

Vaccine Hesitancy, Evangelicals, and the Ironic Tale of Dr. Fauci’s Boss

April 26, 2021

Evangelicals are well-known for working to get the “right” people in the highest places of government, hoping they will lead our nation with faith and integrity in more godly directions. The overlooked story of Fauci’s boss seems to reveal another truth. … More Vaccine Hesitancy, Evangelicals, and the Ironic Tale of Dr. Fauci’s Boss

Racialized Religion

July 22, 2019

This past year of doctoral studies for me has been focused on two related topics —  1) Slavery in the Ancient World and 2) Race & Ethnicity in the Ancient World — both with an eye to how grasping the ancient past can help better inform our Christian witness in the present day.  Along the … More Racialized Religion

Activate the Mind, Stoke the Fires of Hope (1 Peter 1:13-16)

October 5, 2016

Hope is a rare commodity these days. The fashions of the day are cynicism, anxiety and self-indulgence. With violence and discord stealing the headlines daily, we tend toward one of three different coping mechanisms (or a combination of the three): Our minds grow cynical in the midst of confusion and ideological impasses in the public discourse. … More Activate the Mind, Stoke the Fires of Hope (1 Peter 1:13-16)